Karen Restoule

Karen Restoule is Director of Indigenous Affairs and a Senior Fellow at Macdonald-Laurier Institute, and a strategic advisor to CEOs and senior executives on complex public and policy issues. She is also founder and host of Breakthrough Nation, a podcast spotlighting leaders shaping Canada’s next big breakthrough.

Restoule 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 as a public sector executive.

A sought-after voice, Restoule regularly contributes to news media, radio, and conferences across North America on Indigenous policy, particularly as it intersects with the industry and government. She serves as Chair of TC Energy’s Indigenous Advisory Council, on the jury for the 2025 Donner Prize, on Connected North’s Advisory Board, and cofounded Bold Realities to advance the industry-Indigenous relationship.

She is a graduate of the University of Toronto, Osgoode Hall’s Intensive Law Program in Aboriginal Lands, Resources, and Governments, and the University of Ottawa’s French Common Law Program, where she was inducted into the Faculty of Law Honours Society for using her legal education to make significant contributions to society. Karen was named ‘Business Woman of the Month’ in November 2025 by Indigenous Business Magazine.

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