One of America's leading indigenous intellectuals today delivered a devastating critique of Western industrial civilization, calling it unsustainable and labeling its impacts catastrophic.

"Human actions threaten all life on the planet," said Waziyatawin Angela Wilson, a university professor, author and activist. She said the Euro-American world view that places humans above all other life forms is the foundation of the most exploitive and rapacious era in human history.

"This cannot be sustained much longer," said Waziyatawin (wuh-ZHEE-uh-tuh-ween), an enrolled member of the Upper Sioux Community near Granite Falls, home to the Sisstonwan and Wahpetonwan bands of the Dakota people.

Speaking at the Jan. 27-29 Power in Diversity Leadership Conference, Waziyatiwin called on students, educators and higher educational professionals in the Atwood Ballroom audience to resist government oppression and to join in dismantling corporations that exploit people and the environment.