The IAH was formally established by the Board of Governors of the University of British Columbia on May 20, 1998. The IAH was envisaged through a wide-ranging consultation process with Aboriginal peoples and communities in British Columbia. The Institute evolved from the First Nations Health Care Professions Program (1988-1993) and the Institute promotes Aboriginal: Health Education, Health Research, Admissions and Community Projects. The Institute is committed to:

• Improving the health of the Aboriginal People of British Columbia
• Increasing Aboriginal participation in Health Careers
• Promoting Indigenous Health Knowledge and respectful research
• Supporting the Traditional Health Care System