Dame Julia Morton-Marr, Dame of the Order of Saint George (DStG), Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Diploma of Teaching (Dip.T.)
Dame Julia Morton-Marr is a distinguished educator, peace advocate, and environmentalist whose visionary work has profoundly shaped global education and community development.
Born to British parents in South Africa, Julia’s early experiences in Sri Lanka, England, and Australia deepened her appreciation for cultural diversity and global interconnectedness. Her career in education began in Australia as a classroom teacher and music and drama consultant, laying the foundation for a lifelong dedication to holistic learning and peace education.
In 1988, Julia relocated to Canada, where she channeled her passion for peace and sustainability into transformative initiatives. In 1993, she founded the International Holistic Tourism Education Centre (IHTEC) in Mississauga, Ontario. IHTEC’s flagship initiative, the International School Peace Gardens (ISPG), was designed to integrate peace and environmental education into school curricula, fostering a culture of sustainability and conflict resolution. Under her leadership, ISPG impacted many thousands of students, teachers and schools worldwide, transforming school communities into nurturing spaces for dialogue, cooperation, and ecological awareness.
Julia’s pioneering approach to education underscores the inseparability of peace, justice, and environmental stewardship. Her curricula span a broad range of subjects, including conflict resolution, cultural appreciation, geography, and the performing arts, all anchored in the principles of ecological integrity, social harmony, and personal responsibility.
Her dedication has earned international recognition. In 2005, she was among nine Canadian women featured in the 1000 PeaceWomen Across the Globe initiative and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. She was knighted as a Dame of the International Order of Saint George and received the World Citizen in Action Award in 2016. In 2025, the Visioneers International Network honored her as a "Heroine of Humanity".
Beyond IHTEC, Julia has been instrumental in numerous environmental and peace initiatives. She launched the Marine Peace Parks project in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, and introduced the concept of Creature Corridors at the First National Canada Trails Conference. IHTEC was a recognized member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and Julia contributed to its Environment Committee as well as the Research Center for Global Governance in Brazil.
Julia’s affiliations reflect her extensive influence and commitment. She has been an active member of the Canadian Voice of Women for Peace, Science for Peace/Canadian Pugwash, and the Global Issues Project. She also served as Vice-President of Education with the Council on Global Issues and as a board member of the United Nations Association, Toronto Branch, among many other organizations dedicated to peace, education, and environmental sustainability.
Throughout her career, Julia has exemplified an unwavering commitment to volunteerism, dedicating her time and expertise to fostering a culture of peace and sustainability worldwide. Her work continues to inspire educators, students, and communities, reinforcing the transformative power of education in building a harmonious and sustainable future.