ABOUT US
After twenty years of working in the North and over two decades working on reconciliation across sectors, Davida and Tosh are ready to share what they have learned and use this knowledge to support other organizations in responding to the TRC's 94 calls to action and supporting Indigenous self-determination.
Both founders are from the Yukon and are strong First Nations women who have a track record of creating the systemic change needed in organizations for reconciliation to actually occur. Tosh and Davida have an extensive network across the Yukon, and nationally across post-secondary institutions. They have built a distinct reputation for working with organizations and Indigenous communities to design and implement projects that move the bar on reconciliation forward.
Meet The Team
Tosh Southwick
Consultant & Founding Partner
Citizen of Kluane First Nation | Partner, IRP Consulting | Changemaker | Knowledge holder | Progressionist
Tosh Southwick is a Citizen of Kluane First Nation and a member of the Wolf moiety. She is a nationally respected leader in Indigenous Governance and advancing Reconciliation and Indigenization across sectors. Tosh is known for her ability to bridge worlds and build systems that honour Indigenous knowledge and sovereignty all while creating brave spaces for necessary tough conversations. Tosh's work is a blend of heart, intellect, ceremony and vision—all while shaping the future of "In the North by the North".
As a founding partner at IRP Consulting, Tosh works alongside Indigenous governments, institutions, and organizations to design culturally grounded solutions that advance self-determination and Nation building. Her work spans Skill development in working effectively with First Nations, policy development, leadership training, and strategic planning—always rooted in the values and priorities of Yukon First Nations.
Prior to IRP, Tosh served as Associate Vice President of Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation at Yukon University, where she led transformative change over more than a decade. Her leadership helped embed Indigenous worldviews into curriculum, governance, programs and institutional culture, making Yukon University a national model for reconciliation in post-secondary education.
Tosh has held multiple leadership roles within her Nation, including Deputy Chief and she has worked with various First Nations in health, education, and human resources across the territory. She is a sought-after facilitator, speaker, and advisor, known for her humor, clarity, and ability to move complex multi party initiatives forward in a good way.
Above all, Tosh is a proud mother, auntie, and community member—she is honoured to do this work so those who come next can bring even move light to this place.
Davida Wood is a born and raised Yukoner from the Teslin Tlingit Council of Southern Yukon, a member of the crow moiety and Kùkhhittàn clan.
Her formal education was completed through the University of Regina via Yukon College with an Education degree. Her informal education is on-going through her various roles in life; business owner, consultant, director, facilitator, mother, wife, teacher, First Nation member, committee member and traveler.
It is with great and excitement and passion that she co-founded IRP consulting. Working to not only further self-determination for Indigenous people, but also to work closely with other entities who are embarking on or furthering their learning and journeys on how we are all able to thrive together on this land.
Uniting her passions, interests and past experience Davida is looking forward to working thoughtfully on projects with you.
Davida Wood
Consultant & Founding Partner
Cassandra Ivany
Creative Director
Cassandra, better known as Cass, was born and raised in Newfoundland and Labrador. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology from Memorial University of Newfoundland before choosing to pursue a career in education. After completing her Bachelor of Education, she spent four years teaching in the Northern Labrador community of Natuashish and Iqaluit, Nunavut, before relocating to Whitehorse with her husband in 2008.
During her eight years as a facilitator with First Nations Initiatives at Yukon University, Cass had the chance to collaborate with all departments - delivering workshops on Yukon First Nation history and culture, reviewing curriculum, and supporting senior executive in their efforts to implement Indigenization goals. It was through this role that she discovered her passion for creation and design.
Now, as Creative Director at IRP, Cass continues to hone her design skills while pursuing her commitment to reconciliation as an ally. She is excited about the new direction her career is taking and is eager to see where it leads.
While not at work, you can often find Cass snuggled up with her cat, Hank, while watching Netflix or proudly sporting the purple and gold jersey of the IRP Thunder broomball team – likely out of position!
Chris Lefebvre
Director of Finance & Operations
Originally from France and now a proud Canadian, Chris joined IRP Consulting as the Director of Finance and Operations in May 2024.
With 20 years of international experience in purpose-driven work, including nearly 14 years with MSF/Doctors Without Borders, he has established himself as a thought leader in various People & Culture roles.
Always on the lookout for new adventures, Chris embraces opportunities for personal and professional growth. And so after spending a decade in Toronto, Chris and his partner chose to settle in the Yukon, drawn by the unique lifestyle the territory offers. He can even continue to enjoy locally produced French food and treats!
In his free time, Chris is an avid volleyball player and takes pride in maintaining his home, often diving into DIY projects (though he rarely finishes them!). Together, they share their lives with Coconut, their beloved dog, who brings joy (and high-pitch barks!) to their everyday experiences.
Kae Gatensby
Administrative Coordinator
Kae Gatenbsy is a life-long Yukoner, who loves her wife, her pets, and her Jeep. She often spends time relaxing, reading, and playing the Legend of Zelda.
Kae enjoys being artistic, and looks for inspiration everywhere she goes! She often paints, crochets, cross-stitches, or sketches, whatever her heart calls to at the time. She is a fun-loving, goofy gal, who likes to make things that are strange, unique, and relatable.
She has lived in the Yukon Territory since she has been born, but often visits B.C. and considers it a second home. Kae spent her summers in the Okanagan, making her one of the only life-long Yukoners who can't stand the cold summer lakes.
After seven years of mixed retail work, she decided to change it up and started with the IRP team in 2022.