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 positive 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.

10/15/2026

Learn exercise activities to help elders fight Alzheimer's.

EXERCISE & AGING SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION
November 16th-19th - Lincoln, Nebraska
Register here https://nativeamericanfitnesscouncil.com/events/

10/06/2026

Personal Training Certification
On-site Training
Sponsored by The Coeur d’Alene Tribe
NAFC presenters Brian Laban (Hopi) and John Blievernicht, presented the Personal Trainer Certification in Plummer, Idaho. The event went very well with participants from the wellness center. Thank you to Nallely 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!

09/14/2026

Medical Conditions & Exercise
Diabetes Prevention – Updated Nutrition and Exercise Protocols
Presented by Katie Brown MS, RD, LD, CDCES
Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist
Register at
https://nativeamericanfitnesscouncil.com/events/

09/09/2026

NFL Athlete Indianapolis Colts
D1 Level collegiate athlete
NAFC Certified Personal Trainer
Jake Witt

I went out to Las Vegas in 2025 to take the NAFC Personal Training Certification. Coming into it with a background in college basketball and football, spending nearly two years in the NFL after getting drafted by the Colts in 2023, and already holding a training certification, I honestly wasn't sure how much new information I’d take away.
I was completely blown away. The course went far beyond what I expected and delivered incredibly practical, valuable tools for real-world coaching.
Today, as the Health and Wellness Coach at the Lac Vieux Desert Health Center in Watersmeet, Michigan—where we just launched our new 10,000 sq. ft. Legacy Wellness & Motion expansion—I still use key concepts from this course in my daily work.
Whether you’re just starting out in fitness or you’ve been in the industry for years, I highly recommend NAFC to any trainer, coach, or wellness professional looking to make a genuine impact.

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/

Address

PO Box 4468
Durango, CO

Website

http://www.nativeamericanfitnesscouncil.com/

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