Native Fitness & Nutrition (FAN)

About Native FAN

The Native Fitness and Nutrition (FAN) program was started more than a decade ago to help reduce health disparities in the local Native American community that are a result of historical trauma and socioeconomic factors. The Native FAN program provides free, accessible activities and wellness opportunities to help our relatives build healthier habits and improve their physical wellbeing. A fitness center and gym, located in the Minneapolis American Indian Center, provide a place for individual and group exercise at no cost to participants.

ELIGIBILITY

The fitness center is open to people ages 16 and up. Participants are required to register before participating in a Native FAN activity or before using the fitness center. Registration forms are available at any Native FAN activity and in the fitness center. A valid form of identification is required during registration.

SERVICES

Organized group physical fitness activities, including basketball, volleyball, pickleball, walking groups, circuit training, running, and traditional dancing.
Nutrition education that promotes healthier eating and reduces the risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues.
Open gym and fitness center time.

OPEN GYM AND FITNESS CENTER HOURS

Mondays: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Women only from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.)
Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fridays: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: CLOSED
Sundays: CLOSED

Hours may change certain weeks due to staffing and other programming in the center. Please visit the Native Fitness and Nutrition Facebook page or Instagram page for updated information.

SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES

Aunties Night Out Pickleball
- When: Tuesdays: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
  Where: Center Gymnasium
  Who: Open to Aunties 40+
Pickup Basketball
- When: Mondays: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Wednesdays: 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  Where: Center Gymnasium
  Who: Open to all
Volleyball
- When: Thursdays: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  Where: Center Gymnasium
  Who: Open to all
Four Winds Run Club
- When: Wednesdays: 6:00 p.m.
  Where: Meet outside the riverfront side of Owamni in Downtown Minneapolis
  Who: Open to all paces and abilities
  Details: Follow Four Winds on Instagram or contact Joe Regguinti for updates.
Warrior Up Community Fitness
- When: Thursdays: 8:30 p.m.
  Where: Center Gymnasium
  Who: Open to all
  Details: Co-ed community-led workouts designed to strengthen our bodies and sharpen our minds.

PROGRAM STAFF

Cheryl Secola

Program Director
Native Fitness and Nutrition (FAN) and Culture Language Arts Network (CLAN)
csecola@maicnet.org

Colette Lawrence

Native Elders Support Team (NEST) Coordinator
(612) 879-1703
clawrence@maicnet.org

Joseph Regguinti

Native Fitness and Nutrition Coach / Trainer
jregguinti@maicnet.org

Brian Heart

Native Elders Support Team (NEST) Program Assistant and Transporation
bheart@maicnet.org

Anntaya Corbesia

Physical Activities Assistant
acorbesia@maicnet.org

Native Elder Support Team (NEST)

The Native Elders Support Team, housed within Native FAN, provides local Elders with activities, support, and resources that promote healthy lifestyles, community, and connection. While the program is free, sign up is required for NEST participation. Contact Colette Lawrence at clawrence@maicnet.org to enroll.

ACTIVITIES

Health education
Physical activity, such as chair exercises and Tai Chi Quann
Cooking classes
Transportation
Resources and referrals
Social activities, like Congregate Dining
Field trips and cultural activities

CONGREGATE DINING

Congregate Dining is a daily lunch available to community elders. It includes a free meal and space to be in community. The meal and service is provided by Optage Home and Community Services.

Congregate Dining is available Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. in Niibi Hall.

To be eligible to participate in Congregate Dining, a person must:

Be 60 or older.
Be signed up for our supportive services.
Be signed up for Congregate Dining (forms available on site.)

TRANSPORTATION

We can provide Congregate Dining transportation to a limited number of individuals within our service area. Please view the map below to see the region we cover.

Priority is given to individuals who do not have access to reliable transportation. We unfortunately cannot accommodate people with mobility issues because our van is not handicap accessible. If you need additional support, please connect with Metro Mobility.

To reserve a spot, contact Brian Heart at 612-391-1801 between 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. If you reach his voicemail, please leave a detailed message with your full name and phone number. Please expect a call back from Brian to be added to the pickup schedule. He will provide verbal confirmation of your ride. A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required for a ride. There is also a 24-hour cancellation policy, so that spot can be given to another elder.