Last weekend on Saturday, April 1st 2017 at the University of British Columbia was the historic pole raising of the Reconciliation Pole, carved by Master Haida Carver and Hereditary Chief 7idansuu (Jim Hart) of the Haida Nation.

This pole recognizes and pays respect to the past, present, and current-day experiences of Aboriginal people across Canada who were impacted and continue to be impacted by the residential school system.

Thousands of copper nails were hammered into the pole by survivors, families of victims and survivors, and children to pay tribute to the thousands of deaths of Aboriginal children who attended residential school.

Here’s a closer look at these symbolic and powerful copper nails. Thank you to Vince Collison for sharing his photos.