[2] Aaniiih Nakoda College is a member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), which is a community of tribally and federally chartered institutions working to strengthen tribal nations and make a lasting difference in the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

ANC generally serves geographically isolated populations that have no other means accessing education beyond the high school level.

The leaders wanted to start their own college since off-reservation programs were not adequately meeting the post-secondary educational needs of the community.

The college was charged with preserving and promoting the A'anin and Nakoda languages, cultures and histories.

[3] ANC offers associate degrees in eleven disciplines and vocational training in five others through the Native American Career and Technical Education Program.