Equity Diversity + Inclusion

Thu. Mar. 27 2025

  • Community
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  • Drake Partners
  • People

The Drake has a longstanding commitment to art + culture alongside community engagement and world-class hospitality. We care deeply about our guests, employees, neighbours, artistic collaborators, partners and suppliers, and it’s our vision to create an inspiring and inclusive hospitality-driven experience for all.

We have made a long-term commitment and are actively working towards fostering a positive, welcoming, and safe environment that promotes equity, diversity and accessibility for all guests and staff including but not limited to, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC); refugees, newcomers and immigrant persons; two-spirit, 2SLGBTQI+ and gender non-binary persons, and persons with disabilities.

If you have any feedback or suggestions on these important Drake initiatives, we would be happy to hear from you at equity@thedrake.ca.

Land Acknowledgements

Drake Hotel

The Drake Hotel is located in T’karonto, on the ancestral territories of the Michi Saagig Anishinaabeg, specifically the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the territories of the Wendat and Haudenosaunee Peoples, and of Indigenous peoples from around the world who now call this place home. In partnership with Indigenous communities, we celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of Indigenous cultures, including urban Indigenous populations, and commit to continuous learning and to creating meaningful space for Indigenous voices; to celebrate Indigenous brilliance and cultural vibrancy though supporting Indigenous makers and creators as an inclusive community hub. We acknowledge that we are guests on this land, but also that we have a heightened accountability as the current stewards of this land as we welcome guests into our space to honour the vibrant Indigenous cultures still thriving in this region. Our responsibility as hosts and hospitality providers is to help create a sense of place that honours this living history, and that shows gratitude and respect for the land we are on within the urban landscape.

 

The Drake land acknowledgements were created in partnership with Christine Luckasavitch of Waaseyaa Consulting.
Drake Devonshire + Motor Inn

Drake Devonshire + Drake Motor Inn are located on the shores of Niigaani-gichigami, now also known as Lake Ontario, adjacent to the Kanien’keha:ka (Mohawk) community of Tyendinaga and on the ancestral territories of the Anishnaabeg, Wendat, and Haudenosaunee Peoples, and of Indigenous peoples from around the world who now call this place home. In partnership with Indigenous communities, we celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of Indigenous cultures and commit to continuous learning and creating meaningful space for Indigenous voices; to celebrate Indigenous brilliance and cultural vibrancy though supporting Indigenous makers and creators as an inclusive community hub. We acknowledge that we are guests on this land, but also that we have a heightened accountability as the current stewards of this land as we welcome guests into our space to honour the vibrant Indigenous cultures still thriving in this region. Our responsibility as hosts and hospitality providers is to help create a sense of place that honours this living history, and that shows gratitude and respect for the land we are on and the nature that surrounds us.

 

The Drake land acknowledgements were created in partnership with Christine Luckasavitch of Waaseyaa Consulting.

Our Commitments

  • We Believe

    With open hearts and open minds, we:

     

    + Amplify local, emerging and underheard artistic voices because we believe that communities sharing culture and stories can be transformational.

     

    + Work towards establishing an equity-informed and anti-racist hospitality company that welcomes the communities we serve.

     

    + Establish deeply rooted local partnerships that specifically address food security, health and wellbeing, and create opportunities in the arts and hospitality for young people.

     

    + Are a neighbourhood hub where locals and travellers alike experience culture, music and community stories.

  • Our Code Of Conduct

    We are committed to making sure our environment is one where our employees can thrive, guests feel warmly welcomed, and everyone feels safe from racism, discrimination, and harassment. The Drake’s guests, staff, vendors, artists, and collaborators are expected to abide by our Code of Conduct, remaining mindful of and taking responsibility for their speech and behaviour at all times. We respect free expression but will not tolerate words or actions that are racist, sexist, homophobic, ageist, classist, transphobic, cissexist, or ableist. Respecting physical and emotional boundaries, we do not accept oppressive behaviour, harassment, or exclusionary actions. The Drake management will intervene where necessary to help ensure these expectations are met. If you witness or experience any abusive or harmful behaviour, our guests and team members are encouraged to let a member of our team know or email us at equity@thedrake.ca.

  • 2SLGBTQI+

    From our legendary weekly Drag Brunches, to workshops, parties, and activations as an official hospitality partner of Pride Toronto, the Drake is known as a safe and inclusive space for our 2SLGBTQI+ guests, team members, and communities and we will continue to make this a priority.

    The Drake is a proud ally and a member of World Rainbow Hotels. World Rainbow Hotels brings together a global community of 2SLGBTQI+welcoming accommodations, carefully selected through a strict set of selection criteria. World Rainbow Hotels is the first and only GDS-accredited 2SLGBTQI+ consortia program, qualifying its member hotels to be part of the alliance.

    The Drake is also an official Rainbow Registered hospitality partner with the CGLCC, following a thorough audit of our policies and our environment to ensure ongoing compliance and best practices are in place. The Rainbow Registered accreditation program sets standards for building a culture of inclusivity and a commitment to inclusive leadership to ensure 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.

    Additionally, The Drake is a proud partner of Good To Be Good, an intersectional grassroots nonprofit dedicated to advancing gender equity for women and gender-diverse people in underserved and historically marginalized communities, building a more connected and equal world.  Through a growing range of accessible community programs, advocacy, and support services, it addresses barriers and injustices faced by women and gender-diverse individuals affected by violence, poverty, and oppression –  empowering them to co-create meaningful progress toward true gender equity for all.

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