Local Latine cooperative Aquilli Metzli debuts their masa at farmers market

After 15 months since the first seeds were planted, local Latine cooperative Aquilli Metzli began selling their produce at the Arcata Plaza farmers market on April 11. The cooperative harvests a variety of crops across Humboldt rooted in Indigenous practices with a focus on corn made into masa. 

Jatha Gonzalez Lum spent her first farmers market selling masa with Aquilli Metzli during their second time tabling. Watching the seeds she planted grow into the corn now in the hands of the community felt like a moment of peace.

“I was actually there last year planting it, harvesting it and like being there for almost every step of the way of it going from corn into masa,” Gonzalez Lum said. “It feels cathartic in a way.”

Aquilli Metzli formed in the summer of 2025 and since then has grown as a local source for the community to practice food sovereignty by following the Indigenous practices of their culture. While giving back to the community, members also give back to themselves.

“I’ve just really been enjoying how much we, our organization, supports the community and what community has grown out of it, it’s super beautiful,” said member Gabriel Salazar. “We’re like a big super huge family that kind of watches out for each other and are working towards this common goal of food sovereignty.” 

Member Steve Lowe said corn and producing masa was the first step to their goals of providing the community with a taste of their different cultures. The cooperative hopes to expand their production to tortillas and other goods the members are passionate about. 

“This is kind of our way of direct outreach to the community now that we have a space and we’re able to make and sell food products,” Lowe said.

Salazar feels empowered through his work with Aquilli Metzli and seeing the flow of deep rooted connection finally reach the broader community. 

“We are rebuilding these cultural lines that have been severed from our ancestors and walking in that good way with them, knowing that they’re proud of us, it’s just really such an inclusive group,” Salazar said. “All different colors, ethnicities, gender identifications, just like so many different people. It’s such a beautiful rainbow of people that our community is made of.”