Many years ago, 1980s, I was chatting with an Army buddy. He was into Indians and I mentioned that I lived in Indian-named towns in Pennsylvania. One of those was Tuscarora. His eyes lit up and then he pulled out an article from his wallet. It was a story about the Tuscarora tribe.
In the article, was a legend passed down about a great man coming to them and teaching about the Christ, his death, and the forgiveness of sins therefrom. I took it that this event took place during Christ’s resurrection before His assertion into heaven.
So, even though Christ did not stay with His loved ones and disciples perpetually, He was busy at other places on earth.
That was my thought as well. Some American tribes have similar legends regarding a heavenly visitation. It’s possible.
Any chance they were visited by a stray Christian like an Irish or Basque who fell off a fishing boat 7-900 years ago?