Petra Chase

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Understanding the Rohingya genocide, heritage, and the path forward, from a Rohingya Canadian

Peak Web June 7, 2026

By: Petra Chase, Features Editor Content warning: mentions of sexual violence. While the turn of 2026 triggered widespread 2016 nostalgia, this period was, rather, a harrowing reminder of genocide and ongoing struggle for the Rohingya community, the world’s largest stateless ethnic group. In late 2016, Myanmar’s national military began its intensified ethnic cleansing of the Indigenous Rohingya population, forcing nearly one million Rohingya into neighbouring Bangladesh. Today, many remain there, at the largest, most densely-populated refugee camp in the world. While humanitarian aid is unreliable, confined residents have developed informal economies to achieve basic needs, like food, shelter, and education.…

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A photo of the exterior of the SFSS office in the student union building.
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SFSS bars recording at Council meetings, deterring student reporting

copy March 20, 2026

Written by Petra Chase, Features Editor with contributions from Jonah Lazar, Staff Writer Editor’s note: The features editor and a staff writer spoke to the news team to learn more about this ongoing situation. Beyond being interviewed and forwarding us…

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A collage of Black women musicians. From top left to right: Lu Kala, Foushee, and Fefe Dobson. From bottom left to right: Straight Line Stitch, Rachel Chinouriri.
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Black women musicians and the stubborn R&B label

Peak Web March 16, 2026

By: Noeka Nimmervoll, Staff Writer and Petra Chase, Features Editor Black women in music tend to get boxed into one repeated spot: rhythm and blues, more commonly known as R&B. Black artists in general tend to get pigeonholed in genres…

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A woman calmly journaling on a wooden desk in front of a sunny window.
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Reconnecting with my hormonal rhythms

Peak Web March 2, 2026

By: Petra Chase, Features Editor Editor’s note: The following article reflects the writer’s personal experience regarding hormonal contraceptives and menstrual cycles, which vary from person to person. It is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified medical practitioner for…

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SFU Iran protest
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SFU Iranian students speak out

Peak Web February 23, 2026

By: Jonah Lazar, Staff Writer and Petra Chase, Features Editor It’s been over a month since the Islamic Republic of Iran began its crackdown on nationwide protests against the regime. Protests erupted in December 2025 regarding economic hardship and against…

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The photo of a cashier’s hands, near the cash till, as they are printing a receipt.
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What Grinds Our Gears: Charity campaigns at the checkout

Peak Web January 12, 2026

By:  Petra Chase, Features Editor I recently moved close to a Walmart and inevitably find myself there for essentials. Every time, I’m asked if I want to add a donation onto my bill. This seems like a convenient way for…

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Monday Music: Tropical song for winter blues

Peak Web December 18, 2025

By: Petra Chase, Features Editor This time of year can be mentally and emotionally difficult. As the days get shorter, darker, and gloomier, the winter blues, or in more severe cases, seasonal affective disorder, are common. One thing that helps…

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a shot of an aisle in a bookstore that is focused on the Psychology books section. The only parts that are visible in the photo is the upper shelf of the bookcases.
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Mental disorders aren’t personality traits

Peak Web November 11, 2025

By: Petra Chase, Features Editor Content warning: references to ableism and ableist slurs. I recently came across a jarring Instagram reel that said, “All my friends are lowkey schizo.” Surprisingly, the comments were nothing but positive, tagging friends and feeding…

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Collage of old Peak articles referenced in the piece
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The Peak’s 60th anniversary: Notable articles from 1965–1995

Peak Web November 11, 2025

By: Ella Pendlington, SFU Student and Petra Chase, Features Editor Since 1965, The Peak has brought issues that matter to students to the forefront, investigating concerns, engaging students in university and local politics, and allowing a space to build community. …

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An illustration of a closeup of a group of cleaning workers gathered at a table sharing Indian dishes.
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Remembering Kulbir Kaila

Peak Web November 10, 2025

Interview and translations by: Ashima Shukla, Staff Writer Written by: Petra Chase, Features Editor Kulbir Kaila worked at SFU for 17 years. On July 28, she died at the age of 61 while working a cleaning shift on the Burnaby…

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