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
Tosh Southwick, belongs to the wolf moiety and is a Citizen of Kluane First Nation. She grew up in a small northern community and is the mother to three children and the auntie to many more.
Tosh has worked with Yukon First Nations most of her career and in many different capacities. Most recently in her previous role as the Associate Vice President of Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation at Yukon University where she oversaw the integration of First Nation ways of knowing and doing throughout the institution. During her 12 years there she worked with her team to ensure that Yukon University was meeting the education and training needs of the 14 Yukon First Nations.
Tosh is a trained facilitator and knowledge sharer. She has worked with organizations across sectors to build and deliver relevant and culturally appropriate workshops and create safe spaces to explore complex topics. Tosh has worked in Governance, Education, Human Resources and Health for various First Nation Governments and organizations. She has also served as youth councilor and Deputy Chief for her First Nation.
Tosh acquired her B.A. with honors in Psychology from the University of Victoria and completed a Master’s in Education with the University of British Columbia.
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 driving around, venturing down roads she had never been down.
Kae enjoys reading and creating art very much, and looks for inspiration everywhere she goes! She also has a great interest in anything musical. She spent 8 years in the All-City Band, and though she is no longer a member, she finds music to be one of the best things about life. It holds a special place in her heart.
Despite hating the snowy weather, she can't seem to pull herself away from her beautiful hometown of Whitehorse, Yukon. The sights are stunning, and she loves spending time near the Yukon River, it always gives her a sense of home.