LIVING INDUCTEE
ERVIN GEORGE WATSON
DISTRICT 4 - YEAR 2026
Ervin George Watson was born on April 5, 1941, to George Watson Jr. and Minnie (Eaglefoot) Watson. He was raised in Rocky Boy, Montana and lived a life defined by grit and heart, along with an unwavering connection to the land and traditions of the West. At 84 years old, Ervin stands as a living legend in his community, respected for his lifelong dedication to ranching, horsemanship, education and the cultural heritage of Montana.
A proud member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, Ervin is a fluent Cree speaker. He carries not only the skills of a seasoned cowboy, but the language, values and teachings of his ancestors, keeping them alive through his daily life and passing them on to the next generations.
Ervin was born into a life surrounded by horses and hardworking men. His father was a respected Tribal range rider. In the summers the family would live in the Bears Paw Mountains, where his father worked. When cattle or horses needed doctoring, young Ervin would be right there beside his father, roping and assisting with the animals. Those early hands-on experiences honed his roping skills long before he ever entered an arena.
From the time he could walk, Ervin had a rope in his hand. As a child, he’d practice heeling his aunties, grandma, dad, or whoever happened to be walking by or in front of him, pretending they were calves. He was raised in the saddle and in the spirit of cowboying.
Ervin began ranching in the 1960s and has never stepped away from it. More than six decades later, Ervin continues to ride, rope and tend to his cattle with the same pride and passion he had as a young man.
His love for the sport of rodeo was further sparked by the late Charlie Dog Sleep, a close friend who built an arena on the reservation. That space became a training ground for Native cowboys like himself. Ervin also drew inspiration from respected cowboys such as Wade Bickford, Ervin Meiwald, Roy France, Bob Waid, Jack Young and Joe Big Knife, whose skills and spirit pushed him to better himself as a roper.
Eventually, Ervin built his own arena. It was a way to give back to his community and create a space for future generations to hone their rodeo skills. In the 1970s, his friend, Bud Connelly, approached him about competing in the Indian Rodeo Association, which evolved into the road to the Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR). One of Ervin’s proudest moments came in 1979, when he won the calf roping event at the INFR held at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah. That victory cemented his legacy among the best Native American cowboys in history. Still, one of his all-time favorite rodeos to compete in was the 4th of July Warrick Rodeo, located in those sacred Bears Paw Mountains. It was a gathering, held annually from 1927 – 1984, that brought together good horses and good friends, creating years of unforgettable memories.
Ervin is not only known for his skill in the arena and on the ranch, but for his mischievous humor and love for joking around. One of his wildest stories involves riding horseback into the mountains with his cousins. When Ervin spotted a buck, he roped it. Even though they had only a dull Boy Scout knife between the two of them, their family enjoyed deer steak for supper that night.
Outside of rodeo life, Ervin dedicated 31 years to Rocky Boy Schools as a bus driver and maintenance supervisor. Quietly and faithfully, he helped keep the school running and ensured students were safe, warm and on time.
A devoted family man, Ervin shared 58 years of marriage with his beloved late wife, Sharon. Together, they raised three sons and two daughters. Today, he is happily surrounded by his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom carry a piece of his legacy, laughter and strength.
Ervin often says, “If you take care of your job, your job will take care of you.” It’s a quote that reflects his work ethic, humility, and the wisdom earned over a lifetime.
Whether roping a calf, riding the Bears Paws, or sharing a laugh with friends and family, Ervin George Watson has lived his life with integrity, heart, and a deep love for his Montana.