The institutes offer a broad spectrum of courses and programs that include college and university programs leading to certificates, diploma and degrees; Adult Basic Education leading to the Adult Dogwood Diploma for secondary school completion; First Nations language instruction; occupation-specific training and upgrading; and a broad spectrum of lifespan learning programs that support First Nations people, communities, languages and cultures.

IAHLA institutes also work in collaboration with may of BC’s public post-secondary colleges, institutes and universities to deliver programming.

Almost all IAHLA member institutes operate without core funding, relying on proposal driven funding and partnerships.  Through the dedication and sustained efforts of individuals at the community level, Aboriginal-controlled institutes continue to provide integral services to First Nations communities in BC.