Karen Restoule
Director of Indigenous Affairs

Macdonald-Laurier Institiute

Karen Restoule is Director of Indigenous Affairs at Macdonald-Laurier Institute, and also serves as a strategic advisor to CEOs and senior executives navigating complex business, policy, governance, and relationship matters at the intersection of First Nations, industry, and government. She also serves as Chair of TC Energy’s Indigenous Advisory Council and is appointed to the Board of Directors of the Ontario Energy Board and the Council of the Ontario College of Teachers. 

Karen brings a rare breadth of experience: previously advised clients at one of Canada’s most well-known public affairs firms; served First Nations leaders on matters related to justice, law, and community development; and, led Ontario’s administrative justice system at Tribunals Ontario, including key tribunals like Ontario Parole Board, Human Rights Tribunal Ontario, Landlord and Tenant Board. 

A frequent commentator and speaker, Karen contributes to media, conferences, and policy discussions on Indigenous policy, economic development, and governance. She is also the founder and host of Breakthrough Nation, a podcast featuring conversations with leaders pursuing big projects that help reposition Canada for its next big breakthrough.

Karen holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto, is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School’s Intensive Program in Aboriginal Lands, Resources and Governments, and earned a law degree from the University of Ottawa, where she was inducted into the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law’s Common Law Honour Society for using her legal education to in recognition of her contributions to society.

Karen is Ojibwe from Dokis First Nation, signatory to the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850.