Who is Nao-Kurai from The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman: A Novel and what is their importance?

Nao-Kurai is an Indian who is part of the River People tribe. Nao-Kurai finds Desiderio shortly after he runs away from police custody, shot and running for her freedom. Nao-Kurai mistakes Desiderio for an Indian and takes him onto his barge, helping to heal his wounds. When Nao-Kurai learns that Desiderio can read and write, he asks to learn to do this as well to help in deals with the land people. However, Nao-Kurai is not a good student and is unable to learn.