Heritage Orchard Harvest - Registration

September 25, 2025, 4:00 p.m.

Meeting: Mir Centre for Peace

Activity description: volunteer community apple picking event

Event Purpose: The historic Doukhobor orchards surrounding the Mir Centre for Peace at Selkirk College are a near century’s old living memory of Doukhobor culture and history in our region. Today, they are overgrown and attracting bears onto campus grounds. By pruning the trees and picking the apples, we aim to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, reflect on the history of the Doukhobor communities that once lived right here on these grounds, and get fresh, local fruit onto the plates of local people. Our overarching goal that extends beyond this event is to cultivate a well-cared-for orchard that provides education, community engagement, cultural connection, and edible fruit.

Please bring a bag or box if you'd like to take some fruit home with you!

We hope you will join us on this beautiful early-fall afternoon to pick some fruit and reflect on the land and its history!

Safety hazards: wildlife, slips, trips, falls, exposure to harsh weather, ladder use, use of hand tools, overhead hazards, insects and bees (bring an EpiPen if you have allergies).

Risk mitigation: Participants must take part in a safety tailgate meeting, sign the release of liability waiver below, and follow these safety measures:

• Participants will work in small, manageable groups of ten or less. Each group will have one volunteer who is first aid certified. Volunteers must stick to their group and not wander off alone.
• One or more volunteers will be tasked with identifying potential hazards during the event, i.e., keeping an eye out for wildlife.
• Tree shaking and reach-aids will be utilized for picking apples as a first choice over using ladders.
• Only those trained in safe ladder use will be permitted to use ladders.
• Only those trained in safe use of hand tools and saws will be permitted to use hand saws and other hazardous tools.
• Bear spray and a first aid kit will be on site. all participants should familiarize themselves with the location.
• All participants are advised to bring personal protective equipment (PPE) including closed toed shoes, sun hat, hard hat, work gloves, high-visibility clothing, and should dress for the weather (layers).
• All participants are advised to bring water, snacks, and any medications they may require in the case of a medical emergency.
• If moving through the brush, participants are advised to make loud noises to deter wildlife.

Name Name First Last
Phone Phone - ### - ### ####
Email
I am:

I am: Student Staff Community member
Emergency Contact Emergency Contact First Last
Emergency Contact Phone Emergency Contact Phone - ### - ### ####
RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AGREEMENT REGARDING:
Apple Picking (the “Event”) TO: Selkirk College and its governors, officers, employees, students and representatives, independent contractors, suppliers, sponsors, heirs, executors, successors and assigns (all of whom are hereinafter referred as the “Releasees”). In this Agreement, the term "Event” shall include all activities or services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Releasees and shall include, but is not limited to: all aspects of trip and activity discussed with Selkirk College Staff and other such activities, events and services in any way connected with or related thereto including the use and occupation of any facilities owned, leased, or licensed by the Releasees. ASSUMPTION OF RISKS I am aware that the Event involves risks, dangers and hazards including, but not limited to: dangerous wildlife; poisonous plants; insects that may cause an allergic reaction; failures of equipment; slips, trips, and falls; ground squirrel holes that serve as tripping hazards; use of ladders causing risk of falling from heights; overhead hazards including falling apples or tree branches; use of hazardous hand tools; changing weather conditions; exposure to temperature extremes or inclement weather; travel or transport to and from the sites used for the Event; the failure of others to act safely or within their ability; becoming lost or separated; negligence of other persons; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES, INCLUDING THE FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF THE EVENT. I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED THE EVENT AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS, KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM. I understand that all applicable rules for participation must be followed and that SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY PERSONAL SAFETY REMAINS WITH ME, including my physical and emotional preparation and fitness to participate in the Event. I will examine and inspect the conditions in which I participate and I undertake and agree to remove myself from participation if I sense or observe any unusual hazard or unsafe condition, or if, at any time, at any event or program, I feel unable or unfit to safely continue for any reason. RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT I have read the guidelines, rules and regulations issued for the Event, which I understand and I agree to by bound by them. In consideration of the Releasees allowing me to participate in the Event, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged, I hereby agree as follows: 2. TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES for any and all liability for any property damage, loss or personal injury to any third party resulting from my participation in the Event; 3. This Agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives, in the event of my death or incapacity; 4. This Agreement and any rights, duties and obligations as between the parties to this Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted solely in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia. This Agreement shall be construed broadly to provide a release and waiver to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law. This Agreement may only be modified in a writing signed by parties. If any of the terms of this Agreement are found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining terms shall not be affected. Section headings are for convenience only; and 5. Any litigation involving the parties to this Agreement shall be brought solely within the Province of British Columbia and shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of that province. In entering into this Agreement, I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by the Releasees with respect to the safety of participating in the Event, other than what is set forth in this Agreement. I understand and agree that my participation in the Event is conditional upon my execution of this Agreement and waiver of my right to sue for any injury, loss or damage as described herein. Participation in the Event is subject to the discretion of the Releasees and is revocable. I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THIS AGREEMENT PRIOR TO SIGNING IT, AND I AM AWARE THAT BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS THAT I OR MY HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNS AND REPRESENTATIVES MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE.
Participant Signature. Draw your signature into the box below.

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Full Name

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Parent/Guardian Signature (if under 19 years of age). Draw your signature into the box below.

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Full Name

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If you are able to bring any tools, boxes, or other equipment, please indicate what you can bring below: