July 28th, 2024

San Xavier Coop
by Jeffrey Lazos Ferns

 
My recent visit to Tucson, Arizona, included a meeting and journey into the unique beauty of the desert and the warmth of the Tohono O'odham community. My colleague Donna Warren and I met with San Xavier Co-op, inviting the farm to participate in the Arizona Indigenous Food Symposium.
 
 
After the meeting, as I stood observing the lush fields of Alfalfa on the San Xavier Co-op Farm, memories of my childhood flooded back. I remembered how my mother would make pilgrimages to the nearby San Xavier Mission, her face serene as she lit candles in prayer to her patron saints. Those visits always felt sacred, a connection to something greater than ourselves.
 
As I grew older, I continued visiting the mission, drawn by its beauty and sense of peace. But I never knew the whole story of the land around it. I had no idea about the incredible work at the co-op farm, which was just a stone's throw away.
 
This visit to the San Xavier Co-op has been a revelation. Learning about their commitment to preserving traditional Tohono O'odham farming practices and crops has deepened my appreciation for this community in ways I never expected. I now understand that the sacred nature of this place extends far beyond the mission walls into the very soil that has sustained the O'odham people for millennia.
 
Seeing the alfalfa springing to life with the monsoon rains, and hearing about the massive ha:l squash that can grow up to 20 pounds, I felt a newfound respect for the agricultural wisdom passed down through generations. The co-op's dedication to sustainable farming practices, avoiding synthetic chemicals, and respecting the land resonates deeply with the values my mother instilled in me throughout my life.
 
I'm struck by how the co-op is a living bridge between past and present. It's not just preserving traditions; it's adapting them to meet current challenges and ensure a sustainable future. The farm's role in reclaiming water rights and revitalizing the Santa Cruz River for future generations is just one of many remarkable facets of this farm.
 
This visit has transformed my connection to San Xavier. What was once simply a place of childhood memory and spiritual comfort has become a symbol of resilience, cultural preservation, and community strength. The co-op's work in education, partnering with local schools and food banks, and providing a space for elders to pass on traditional knowledge shows a commitment to the future that's genuinely inspiring.
 
As I prepare to leave, looking back at the mission from the San Xavier Co-op Farm, I know that my return is now to visit the historic mission and experience, tour, and, yes, even work in the fertile fields surrounding it. It's a powerful reminder that our connections to place and community can grow more profound and more meaningful over time if we take the time to learn and understand.
To learn more about the San Xavier Coop visit their website at https://www.sanxaviercoop.org/

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