One function of the institute would be training and supporting the education of Aboriginal peoples as health professionals. For Aboriginal peoples to take control of their health and health services, they must become involved in the design, development, delivery and evaluation of services in their communities. This can be facilitated by increasing the number of Aboriginal health professionals. Examples of other health workers in Aboriginal communities include mental health practitioners, nutritionists and dieticians, dental therapists, community health representatives and health administrators. Traditional healers also constitute an important group of Aboriginal health practitioners.
Some communities also have services such as alcohol and drug addiction centres.