Emily Cullinan was born near Mimili, on the APY Lands in South Australia. Emily and her family lived a traditional Anangu existence; travelling consistently, hunting and collecting bush food along the way and having little contact with non-Indigenous people. As cattle stations were established in the area, Emily came to work in domestic service at the Granite Downs Station. Emily and her family settled in Indulkana, where she continued to pass on to her children the knowledge of hunting, bush foods and water sources. Today, Emily is a respected senior woman and an established artist, working at Iwantja Arts in Indulkana.
