Gina Corpuz is an inspiring educator and cultural advocate whose impact spans over three decades. Gina has held various roles in K-12 and higher education while passionately advocating for the often-overlooked stories of the Indipino community. This term, a fusion of Indigenous American and Filipino cultures, highlights the rich history that Gina helps to preserve and celebrate.
As the daughter of Evelyn Deany Williams of the Squamish Nation and Anacleto Corpuz, a founder of the Filipino American Community on Bainbridge Island, Gina embodies a deep connection to her roots. She draws motivation from her mother’s legacy, dedicating herself to uncovering and sharing the hidden histories of Bainbridge Island. Gina is the executive producer of “Honor Thy Mother: The Untold Story of Aboriginal Women and Their Indipino Children,” a documentary created with Lucy Ostrander and Don Sellers. This film explores the stories of Aboriginal and Native women who migrated to Bainbridge Island in the 1940s and is now part of the middle school curriculum, honoring the courage of these women.
Beyond her film work, Gina actively participates in cultural organizations such as BIMA, IslandWood, BARN, and the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, leaving a lasting impact on the community. As an advisor to the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, she played a key role in recognizing October 2023 as Filipino American History Month, celebrating the Filipino farming community and fostering connections between Native Americans, Filipinos, and the broader community.
Gina’s influence also extends into neighboring counties, where she emphasizes building bridges between diverse cultures. As an elder in the Indipino community, she actively records oral histories, preserving the experiences of first-generation Indipinos, especially the untold stories of Aboriginal mothers. Gina Corpuz is a true treasure of our community, inspiring us all to honor our shared histories.