THE United States embassy recently held a book launch for the release of the Bulgarian translation of American Indian Myths and Legends, by Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz. The book is symbolic of Bulgaria's shift towards embracing the Western world, a move was once not only unpopular, but illegal. Before the changes, cultural anthropology was not studied in Bulgaria but is now being incorporated into the curriculum of many universities and colleges. The lack of textbooks on the subject makes this release incredibly important. Covering 166 legends and myths of 80 Native American tribes, the book is just as much an academic work, addressing culture and history, as it is a collection of stories. 

The book was edited by Ogniana Ivanova and translated by Lyubomir Kyumyurdjiev, "Lyubo". Though not a translator by profession, Lyubo's passion and respect for Native American culture inspired him to see the project through. He's also known as "Eastern Chief", a name he acquired after visiting the Lakota tribe in America and becoming an "Indian brother". He is chairperson of Eagle Circle, a society of Bulgarians founded 15 years ago, who believe in the teachings of the Native Americans and hold events and gatherings to honour the history and current plight of American Indians, as well as put their teachings into practice here in Bulgaria.

At the book launch, members of Eagle Circle, dressed in full Native American attire, presented a series of Native American performances, with Lyubo reciting a legend and then singing on stage with a drum. Ivo performed a relaxing flute solo, and this was followed by a collection of drumming and chanting numbers that the audience really seemed to enjoy. Despite being unable to understand the Indian language that was spoken during these songs and chanting relays, the energy and general idea were communicated. Performances like these give group members a chance to show people how interesting Native American culture is and help them to generate interest in their project ideas.

Eagle Circle participants often dress like Native Americans, eat traditional food, make jewellery, build large teepees and hold powwows for 20 days in the mountains in order to get in touch with the spirit of the Native American people across the ocean and remember historical events. They're very knowledgeable about the different Native American groups, though they admit that their initial interest was in the romanticised version they learnt as children. Over the years, through the internet and the exchange of information between Bulgaria and America, as well as with other Native American studies groups throughout Europe, they have learnt more about the culture and history of Native Americans; they have learnt a more accurate "truth".

Friends in the States have sent them books on the subject, and some Eagle Circle members have travelled to America and learnt about the different tribes in order to see for themselves their current situation and how the culture lives on through the myths and legends that comprise Native Americans' past, a tradition of oral history through story-telling, passed down through the generations.

Though at present they do not obtain any government support for their society, their collective goal is to build a Native American visitor centre here in Bulgaria where they can share what they have learnt about the culture, as well as generate interest in cultural events. They would like to visit America one day, but with the new laws for obtaining visas becoming even tighter and bureaucracy putting up a brick wall, they feel they will never have the chance to experience this dream. Eagle Circle would like to have a cultural exchange programme to allow some members of Native American tribes to visit them here to see what they've been doing and experience their love of the culture and its teachings and traditions, as well as teach them more about the ways of attaining a clear mind and an open heart by accepting their philosophies of living.

What appeals to most of the members of Eagle Circle is not only the culture of the Native Americans, a culture loaded with ideas of glory, honour, respect and humility, but also attitudes about nature, survival and our role in the world, in the cycle of life. They feel that it's a personal journey. "It's internal, it's not so expressive, but it's how it feels on the inside," said Eagle Circle member Ivo, who has travelled to the Indian reservations in America. "It was an important moment in my development, because I realised things in a new light. The organisation has built in us a new, fresh attitude and has taught us a higher level of respect."

One of the differences between Native American culture and the teachings of Christianity is the idea of good versus bad and how to label things as bad. They have had to open their minds to a new way of thinking that sometimes conflicts with their beliefs from Bulgarian culture. This is what they want to share with other people as well as the rich culture of Native Americans - a new way of thinking and viewing the world.

Eagle Circle holds performances for cultural events, and they're always willing to talk openly about their experiences and why they're so interested in Native American culture. They admit that some people think they're weird, but they dismiss the ridicule. "Some of us are strange, others of us are a bit more normal," said Nikolai, member of the Eagle Circle. Independent of what people think of them, Eagle Circle will continue to practice and share their beliefs with anyone who is interested. For more information, they can be contacted at www.eaglecircle.8m.com.

Nilkolai, Ivo, Tsetso, Nicky, Dimo-performers

Lyubo-solo