Native American Fitness Council

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Native American Fitness Council

NAFC - "TRAINING NATIVE TRAINERS" NAFC was established in 2004 with the mission of empowering Native Americans through exercise education.

Cofounders Brian Laban and John Blievernicht recognized a need for knowledgeable, passionate, and experienced Native American fitness instructors. But their vision didn’t stop there: These dedicated professionals developed programs that teach people to train other Natives in proper exercise and healthy lifestyles. Today, NAFC has educated — and inspired — thousands of individuals to become positiv

e role models in their communities. Our founders and staff understand the needs and learning styles of Native Americans. NAFC has certified fitness trainers throughout the United States from the Seminole of Florida to the small Northwest & Alaskan tribes...from the Passamaquoddy of Maine to the Apache of the Southwest...and a whole lot of tribes in between.

09/03/2026

Fall 2026 Scholarship Winners
The scholarships have been awarded to:

Personal Trainer
Vannessa Herrera– Nambe Pueblo
Cameron Boyce – Hoopa Valley Tribe

Medical Conditions & Exercise
Faith Pablo– Tohono O'odham/Gila River Pima
Matthew Osborn– Eastern Shawnee Tribe

Exercise & Aging Specialist
Delores Niigaanakwad – Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
Allison Henrie – Coquille Indian Tribe

Congratulations to the winners!
Thank you to all of you that applied.

08/28/2026

Personal Training Certification
On-site Training
Sponsored by Tribal Recreation and Wellness, Gila River Indian Community
NAFC presenters Brian Laban (Hopi) and John Blievernicht, presented the Personal Trainer Certification in Gila River, Arizona. The event went very well with participants from the different districts of the Gila River Community. Thank you to Sonja and the rest of the crew for setup, snacks, drinks, sponsorship with the certification and all the others for going above and beyond to make this event a success! Everyone participated and had a great time with many smiles! Thank you all for attending, taking the information and helping your communities!

08/19/2026

Medical Conditions & Exercise Certification
Oct 5th – 8th Hinckley, Minnesota
Updated and new information on diabetes and nutrition.
Learn how to work with clients that have chronic diseases, orthopedic limitations & other medical conditions. This training shows how to properly screen clients, work with health professionals and design appropriately modified exercise programs based on their specific needs.
Register Now!
https://nativeamericanfitnesscouncil.com/events/

08/17/2026

Dementia/Alzheimer’s Zoom Presentation
Brian Laban (Hopi/Tewa) did a zoom presentation for the diabetes support group of the Proch Creek Indians of Alabama. Randi saw the presentation at the Las Vegas event and said, “He did such an awesome job and broke it down where everyone can comprehend what he is speaking about.”
The presentation went very well and many of the participants were engaged, participated with the hands-on activities and had other questions. Huge Thanks to Randi and her team, with the setup and support, with the event.

08/05/2026

Exercise & Aging Certification
On-site Training
Sponsored by HPDP IHS Shiprock NM
NAFC presenters Brian Laban (Hopi) and John Blievernicht, presented the Exercise & Aging Certification in Shiprock, New Mexico. The event went very well with participants from the Shiprock area. Thank you to Janet and the rest of the crew for setup, snacks, drinks, sponsorship with the certification and all the others for going above and beyond to make this event a success! Everyone participated and had a great time with many smiles! Thank you all for attending, taking the information back and helping your communities!

07/15/2026

Registration Open for Fall Events!
Personal Trainer Sept 29th – Oct 2nd Hinckley, Minnesota
Medical Conditions & Exercise Oct 5th – 8th Hinckley, Minnesota
Exercise & Aging Specialist Nov 16th – 19th Lincoln, Nebraska
Register online @
https://nativeamericanfitnesscouncil.com/events/

07/02/2026

NATIVE YOUTH FITNESS WORKSHOP
Nome, Alaska
NAFC presenters, Brian Laban (Hopi/Tewa) and John Blievernicht presented the Native Youth Fitness Workshop in Nome, sponsored by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and Norton Sound Health Corporation. The NAFC team taught the Native Youth Fitness Leader, along with teaching techniques, games, cultural games and shared stories with the youth. The youth are from all over the country that attend universities for their bachelor’s degrees to their master’s degrees. These youths are going to work with the native youth in Nome and the surrounding communities. Everyone had so much fun and had an amazing finish! Thanks to Claire, Nicole and Tracy and all the others who made this a successful event!

06/23/2026

Plan Now!
Upcoming Fall Certifications

Medical Conditions & Exercise
Personal Trainer
Exercise & Aging Specialist

Dates & Locations TBA

06/17/2026

Community Fitness Leader Certification
Nome, Alaska
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and Norton Sound Health Corporation
Thank you Claire, Nicole and Tracy for the set up and sponsoring training for the front line health workers. The participants were very engaged and eager to learn. It was exciting to be there and also learn about different community environments and wildlife!

05/29/2026

Personal Trainer Certification
Sponsored by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation
NAFC presenters Brian Laban (Hopi), John Blievernicht, Dwight Sandvold and RJ Lopez (Eastern Shoshone/Northern Arapahoe) presented the Personal Trainer Certification in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The event went very well with participants represented from many places. Thank you to Coop and the rest of your crew for setup, awesome food, sponsorship with the certification and making this event a success! Thank you all for attending, taking the information back and helping the people in your communities!

Address

PO Box 4468
Durango, CO

Website

http://www.nativeamericanfitnesscouncil.com/

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