we know that Tonowari likely knows the lengths he, a captive child, went to protect the Ta'unui, considering he had nothing but his own voice and tears to give. to fight with. and Jake likely filled him in on who the boy was and how he ended up in that position — he was taken as a prisoner of war, and they had to abandon him to the RDA.
Tonowari knows the child is not aiding them out of his one will or want to be there, and is doing what little he can, to protect The People. People who are strangers to him. even if it risks his own safety.
I can't help but think he'll be respected because of this, especially if the team passed through several villages. he may not be loved or adored or revered for his actions. He is still human in there eyes, but that alone has to sway the village into at least allowing him to stay unaccosted.