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.

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!

05/19/2026

NAFC certified Lenny Esson, has a summer youth running camp in Flagstaff AZ. Contact Lenny for more information.

05/06/2026

Native Youth Fitness Leader Certification
Sponsored by the Pueblo of Isleta
NAFC presenters Brian Laban (Hopi), John Blievernicht and Dwight Sandvold, presented the Native Youth Fitness Leader Certification in Isleta, New Mexico. The event went very well with participants represented from Maine, Washington, Alaska and many places in between. Thank you to Thomas 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 youth in your communities!

04/22/2026

Personal Trainer Certification
May 11th-14th, 2026 – Shawnee, Oklahoma
Sponsored by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation
Register Here!
https://nativeamericanfitnesscouncil.com/events/

04/09/2026

Personal Trainer Certification
May 11th-14th, 2026 – Shawnee, Oklahoma
Sponsored by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation

NAFC would like to thank Katie Brown for her continued presentations on nutrition and diabetes information during NAFC Certifications. She has been a great asset not only as an expert in her field but also a great support for those needing continued support. Katie is passionate about helping people and has practical information that will benefit the native and all communities!
Katie Brown MS, RD, LD, CDCES
Register Here!
https://nativeamericanfitnesscouncil.com/events/

04/01/2026

Trainer Highlights!
Congratulations to Lenny Esson, NAFC Certified Personal Trainer and Native Youth Fitness Leader, on his accomplishments!

“Honored as a Coach of the Year and Hall of Fame Honor for coaching in New Mexico. With the Personal Trainer trainings along with other certifications, I'm able to build successful running programs for our Native Youth.”

Native Youth Fitness Leader Certification
April 27th – 30th, 2026 – Isleta, New Mexico (Albuquerque Area)
Sponsored by Pueblo of Isleta

Register here!
https://nativeamericanfitnesscouncil.com/events/

03/26/2026

Get ready for the summer youth camps and activities!
Native Youth Fitness Leader Certification
April 27th – 30th, 2026 – Isleta, New Mexico (Albuquerque Area)
Sponsored by Pueblo of Isleta
Register Here!
https://nativeamericanfitnesscouncil.com/events/

03/23/2026

Exercise & Aging Certification
Sponsored by Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center
NAFC presenters Brian Laban (Hopi), John Blievernicht and Dwight Sandvold, presented the Exercise & Aging Certification in Santa Ana, New Mexico. The event went very well with participants represented from across New Mexico and Colorado. Thank you to Michele, Daytona and the rest of the crew for setup, awesome food, sponsorship with the certification and all the others for going above and beyond to make this event a success! The Tamaya Wellness Center, for hosting us and the State Champions, Santa Fe Indian School basketball teams! Thank you all for attending, taking the information back and helping your communities!

03/04/2026

Scholarship Highlights!
Angel Johnson, recipient of the Medical Conditions & Exercise Certification scholarship September 2025, Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Angel Johnson a member of the Creek and Seminole tribes of Oklahoma. She is the Diabetes Prevention Coordinator and Physical Activity Lifestyle Specialist at the Chickasaw Nation's Diabetes Care Clinic. She comes from a large, blended family from eastern Oklahoma and her background and family, motivated her dedication to health and wellness in her community

Angel has master’s in education and a bachelor’s in kinesiology. Her role working with mostly elderly patients who need practical, adaptable exercise guidance for conditions like stroke recovery, arthritis, COPD,

Attending the training with many others who shared similar goals made her more confident, vocal, and proactive in her role. The experience helped her overcome hesitation and inspired her to engage more deeply with patients and peers.
Thank you, Angel, for the awesome work you are doing in your community!

02/26/2026

Exercise & Aging Specialist Certification
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe
NAFC presenters Danielle Grey (Dakota/Hidatsa), Brian Laban (Hopi/Tewa) and John Blievernicht, presented the Exercise & Aging Specialist Certification in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event went very well with tribes represented from the Western, Northern, Midwest, Southern and Southwest Tribes. Special Thanks goes out to Ty and his crew, for setting up the lunches, the Las Vegas Paiute Youth dance group, special performances from Courage and Fanta, and for going above and beyond to make this event a success!

Address

PO Box 4468
Durango, CO

Website

http://www.nativeamericanfitnesscouncil.com/

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