The perspectives and stories of First Nations with respect to their history, knowledge and identity through Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK), as it relates to the Thames River, are important contributions to the TRCWR. First Nations peoples have a unique perspective and relationship with the lands and waters within the watershed that include assertions of Aboriginal Title, Treaty Rights and Aboriginal Rights. First Nations have expressed concern about actions they perceive may influence title claims, as well as health and economic well being through impacts to drinking water, hunting, fishing, recreation and tourism. The watershed is important as a hunting ground and is essential to archival and oral traditions, history, knowledge and identity.

The TRCWR Steering Committee and First Nations Engagement Committee currently includes representatives from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Caldwell First Nation, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, and Walpole Island First Nation. Delaware Nation of the Thames and Oneida Nation of the Thames have participated in the past, and Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and Munsee-Delaware Nation have been invited to participate and receive updates about the project.

The First Nations Engagement Committee has a First Nations Youth Engagement Program.