It might not be known by everyone on Whidbey, but throughout history several Native Americans populations have called the island their home.

This Saturday, Whidbey Islanders have the chance to learn about these and other Native American cultures in a event that appeals to all of the senses.

The Penn Cove Water Festival is a cross-cultural, family-oriented event taking place in Coupeville, and is highlighted by Native American canoe races.

“This is a very unique cultural experience,” said Louis LaBombard, the festival’s professional Indian advisor.

“It’s something that involves all facets of your mind,” LaBombard said. “It involves different smells, different tastes, different sights and different sounds. It enhances all of the senses that we have.”

Tribes from all over the northwestern U.S. and Canada will gather to share their cultures with each other and with Whidbey Islanders. A direct descendent of a Whidbey Island Native American chief will also be there.

“It’s a very unique event because it’s the only real Native American event that is held on the island,” LaBombard said.

Canoe races will be held on a prescribed course with several divisions of paddlers that include men, women and children.

In addition to the canoe races, the Penn Cove Water Festival offers a number of activities geared toward the entire family.

There will be traditional Northwest Coast dancing.

An extensive array of food will be at the festival, including the highly-popular contemporary Native American dish — fry bread.

There will also be children’s activities, including Native American storytelling.

LaBombard is one of the storytellers. He said Native American stories have a real value in the culture.

“It’s the way that native peoples got their morals and their values instilled in the people,” LaBombard said. “And it is a wonderful thing to watch all of the eyes light up from all of the various ages of children, from the little tiny ones, to the elders.”

Native American art will be for sale at the event.

“There is going to be a variety of things, from homemade flutes, to jewelry to paintings,” LaBombard said.

Despite the thrill of the races, the aroma of the bread, the creativity of story and the gift of Native American art, LaBombard said that the greatest gift festival goers will take away is a little less obvious at first.

“You can never take away the non-materialistic, non-tangible aspects of this activity,” LaBombard said.

“It does help to alleviate some of the stereotypes people have about native peoples. And it reinforces the idea that native peoples are still here, and they are strong in their native beliefs and traditions,” he said.

“Native peoples also go away with the idea that the general population is accepting of them, and that there are people who are concerned with Native American issues,” LaBombard added.

Everyone of Native American and non-Native American descent share their cultures and share in the fun at the Penn Cove Water Festivals.

“The whole atmosphere of previous festivals has been one that people walk away with a really, really good feeling,” LaBombard said. “So I would encourage anyone who has the time to come on up and enjoy it.”