The Goodways Project.

Soul Reign Presents:

✨ Her: Dreamer of the Web by Lyra X Nova ✨

Soul Reign is proud to showcase Her: Dreamer of the Web, a collaborative art collection by Lyra X Nova. This visionary series honours the enduring feminine spirit and her sacred connection to Mother Earth, embodying Soul Reign’s commitment to fostering cultural connection, storytelling, and empowerment through the arts.

As part of The Goodways Project, Her: Dreamer of the Web amplifies First Nations voices and stories through art. Rooted in the ancestral heritage of First Nations women of Oceania, this collection celebrates the profound connection between the feminine spirit, ancestral wisdom, and Mother Earth—reflecting strength, unity, and harmony with the natural world.

✨ Her: Dreamer of the Web is a testament to The Goodways Project’s mission to:

• Celebrate Cultural Wisdom: Sharing the strength, creativity, and resilience of First Nations communities.

• Inspire Positive Change: Encouraging connection, unity, and respect for the web of life.

• Showcase Creativity: Highlighting innovative artistry grounded in cultural roots and storytelling.

✨ Explore the world of Her: Dreamer of the Web – a Soul Reign exclusive – now available in our store.

©️The Goodways Project - Soul Reign Initiative

At the Goodways Project, we believe in honouring our cultural values, amplifying our stories, and creating a space for connection, healing, and growth. This platform is dedicated to sharing First Nations voices and stories that carry the wisdom of our ancestors while also embracing the creativity and resilience of today’s generation.

Goodways Project is more than just a blog; it’s a community space where stories, reflections, and conversations intertwine to inspire positive change. Rooted in respect, cultural pride, and self-determination, this project reflects the journey of living in a way that uplifts, empowers, and nurtures both individuals and communities.

What to Expect:

Through a blend of blogs, podcasts, and interviews, we will share stories of cultural identity, resilience, personal growth, and collective advocacy. Whether it’s through personal reflections, interviews with cultural leaders, or explorations of our heritage, Goodways Project is here to spark conversations that matter and provide a space for learning and connecting.

This platform is for everyone who seeks to deepen their understanding of culture, support social justice, and celebrate the diversity and strength of First Nations people.

Our Mission:

At the heart of the Goodways Project is the commitment to fostering cultural connection, healing, and empowerment. It is an extension of the values we hold at Soul Reign, supporting the self-determination of First Nations people and creating opportunities for shared learning. We hope that by sharing these stories, we can inspire others to walk in respect, care, and cultural pride.

Join us as we embark on this journey together, exploring the many ways we can live, learn, and grow — Goodways.

©️The Goodways Project - Soul Reign Initiative

“When do the waves stop?”—a simple and innocent question, shared by Jye Cardona, Founder of Brother to Another, as he reflected on a powerful moment with a young ten-year-old boy. The boy, curious about the natural world, asked this question while also expressing a deeper sense of struggle from his own experience in the justice system. Jye’s reflection on this moment, and the poignant question, led me to think about the cycles of trauma many children endure and how, though the waves may not stop, we can change the tides.

Brother to Another is a powerful initiative focused on supporting boys and young men through mentorship and community programmes that promote healing, cultural identity, and strong connections. This moment shared by Jye reminds us that, through advocacy and collective action, we can help amplify the voices of children and guide them towards a path of strength and resilience.

The Power of a Simple Question

The boy’s question, “When do the waves stop?” may appear innocent at first glance, but it is layered with deeper meaning. The waves could represent the unending challenges faced by children in the justice system—the trauma they carry, the cycles of disadvantage, and their struggle to navigate a system that often fails them.

This question invites us to reflect on the nature of the “waves.” Injustice, lack of support, and systemic failures that leave children trapped in cycles of harm do not easily stop. Yet, in this child’s genuine curiosity, there is an opportunity to pause and think about how we can work collectively to change the tides of this reality. Advocacy, community support, and policy change can create ripples that turn into meaningful change.

Changing the Tides Through Advocacy

To change these tides, we need systemic change. One key step is raising the age of criminal responsibility to at least 14, as recommended by international standards. Children under this age do not have the cognitive development necessary to fully understand the consequences of their actions. By keeping young children out of the justice system and instead focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, we can begin to disrupt the cycles of harm they experience.

But this shift is about more than legal reform. Advocacy comes in many forms. Stepping into the waters of advocacy, or even simply engaging in conversation, creates ripples that can grow into tides of change. When we act together—whether by speaking up for better policies, supporting community-led initiatives, or amplifying the voices of children themselves—we shift the tide towards a future that prioritises care, healing, and justice.

The Importance of Connection and Care

Holistic, trauma-informed support systems are essential to addressing the root causes of the struggles children face. This includes providing access to education, social support, and addressing systemic discrimination. Many children who come into contact with the justice system have already experienced significant hardship. They need spaces that offer safety, understanding, and the tools to heal.

For Indigenous children in particular, reconnecting with culture, community, and heritage offers a powerful form of healing and belonging. The strength of cultural identity can provide the grounding needed to overcome the challenges these children face. Programmes that centre on cultural connection, alongside juvenile justice reform that focuses on restorative practices, are critical in helping children find peace in a world that often denies them that.

The Collective Responsibility for a Brighter Future

Our children not only deserve a brighter future—they are the future. Their livelihood and well-being are intertwined with the well-being of us all, shaping the world we live in and the one we leave behind. When we invest in the health, safety, and potential of our children, we invest in a better society for everyone.

The NT government, and governments across Australia, must align with international standards for youth justice and prioritise care over punishment. Medical and scientific research consistently shows that children under 14 lack the cognitive development and emotional maturity to fully understand the consequences of their actions. The brain’s prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and impulse control, is not fully developed until the mid-20s.

By focusing on rehabilitation rather than incarceration, we can stop the waves of trauma that children face. Together, we can be the force that shifts the tides—towards justice, healing, and a better future for all.

The waves may not stop, but we have the power to change the tides. Advocacy, whether through action or conversation, creates ripples of change. When we come together and amplify the voices of our children, we become a collective force capable of reshaping the future.

Our children deserve better, and it’s up to us to ensure they receive the care, support, and opportunities that will allow them to thrive. Let’s step into the waters together and change the tides for our future.

Published: 9 September, 2024

©️The Goodways Project - Soul Reign Initiative