Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and Honos Health sign joint venture to build treatment centre
CHIPPEWAS OF THE THAMES FIRST NATION (July 27, 2026) — Planning is underway for a new culturally responsive 150-bed treatment centre, constructed and operated by a joint venture between Deshkan Ziibiing Investment Corporation, on behalf of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, and Honos Health. This innovative partnership will benefit the province by offering addiction and mental health treatment, creating jobs for local First Nations, and generating long-term revenue for the community.
First and foremost, this project fills a need to create residential treatment options within Southwestern Ontario.
“We know that demand for recovery support outpaces available beds. We also hear from our citizens that mental health and addictions support is a core priority. We have taken these needs seriously and are grateful for this new partnership to bring essential care into our territory,” says Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Chief Joe Miskokomon.
The proposed 150,000-square-foot facility will sit on a 15-acre site within Chippewas of the Thames treaty territory, roughly 30 kilometres southwest of London, Ontario. It is expected to serve approximately 900 clients a year through 30- to 90-day residential treatment terms, and its clinical model will be grounded in a Two-Eyed Seeing methodology (an approach that braids Indigenous and Western knowledges), Elder engagement, and land-based healing. Residents will be supported by a care team that includes nursing staff, physicians, trauma-certified counsellors and social workers, allied health professionals, and dedicated cultural navigators.
Once operational, the treatment centre is expected to create approximately 185 jobs for local First Nations and surrounding areas, with opportunities coming in clinical, cultural programming, operations, and administrative positions. Construction itself, expected to run 18 to 24 months once financing is secured, will bring further opportunities for local employment.
The agreement also positions Chippewas of the Thames First Nation for long-term economic benefit, as the community holds a 35 per cent ownership interest in the joint venture through the Deshkan Ziibiing Investment Corporation. This partnership between a Canadian-owned company (Honos) and a First Nation is a new model for public-private partnerships within health care.
“We are working to redefine mental healthcare through culturally responsive, evidence-based treatment, with a goal to build a national network of hope and healing that also supports Reconciliation,” says Eric Andrade, Co-Founder and Executive Chair of Honos Health.
Honos Health’s leadership sees this as the start of something bigger and plans to bring this healthcare model to First Nations across the country.
The facility is targeted to be fully operational in early 2029.
About Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation (Deshkan Ziibiing), located along the Antler (Thames) River in southwestern Ontario, is asserting jurisdiction, building economic independence, and creating a future grounded in their inherent and treaty rights, guided by Anishinaabeg values.
About Deshkan Ziibiing Investment Corporation
The Deshkan Ziibiing Investment Corporation (DZIC) is the economic development arm of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, responsible for advancing business partnerships and equity investments on behalf of the Nation.
About Honos Health
Honos Health Ontario Inc. is a Canadian-owned company redefining mental healthcare through culturally responsive, evidence-based treatment.
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Media Contact:
Tammy Johnson
Communications Officer
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
tjohnson@cottfn.com
226-378-8932