AGES 8+

Native Fitness and Nutrition (FAN)

The Native Fitness and Nutrition (FAN) program works to reduce health disparities in the local American Indian community by providing accessible activities and educational opportunities for the community. A fitness center and gym located in the Minneapolis American Indian Center provide a central place for community exercise and activities.

As of May 2024, FAN programs have resumed operations at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. Programming was held at different locations while the Minneapolis American Indian Center underwent a historic renovation.

ELIGIBILITY

American Indians above the age of eight can participate in FAN programs. Everyone is required to fill out a liability form before using our spaces or participating in activities.

SERVICES

Physical fitness activities including basketball, volleyball, pickleball, walking groups, circuit training, yoga, running, and traditional dancing.
Nutrition education and cooking classes to learn how to eat healthy and reduce the risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues.
Open gym and fitness center time.
Visit the Events page to view upcoming FAN activities.

OPEN GYM AND FITNESS CENTER HOURS

Mondays: 7 – 10 a.m., 11:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Tuesdays: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesdays: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursdays: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fridays: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
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 for updated information.

PROGRAM STAFF

Colette Lawrence

Fitness and Nutrition (FAN) & Native Elders Support Team (NEST) Coordinator
(612) 879-1703
clawrence@maicnet.org

Joseph Regguinti

Fitness Center Manager
jregguinti@maicnet.org

Kobe Gourneau

Physical Activities Coordinator
kgourneau@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 FAN, provides activities, support, and resources to local elders. Programming and activities are open to Native elders in the Twin Cities. Contact Colette Lawrence at clawrence@maicnet.org to sign-up. Sign-up is required for NEST participation.

ACTIVITIES

Group elder chair exercises
Tai Chi Quann
Field trips
Congregate dining

CONGREGATE DINING

Congregate dining is a daily lunch available to community elders. It includes a free meal and space to be in community together. Congregate dining is back at the Minneapolis American Indian Center after a four-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic and building renovations.

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

To be eligible to participate, there are several requirements that must be met. They include:

Being 60 or older.
Being signed up for our supportive services.
Being 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 we can give your spot to someone else.

AGES 8+

Native Fitness and Nutrition (FAN)