Emily was born out bush near Papunya. Her mother Entalura Nangala, whom Emily learnt to paint from, is a recognised artist having painted for Warumpi Arts as did Emily. Entalura Nangala is the wife of Don Tjungerrai who was a renown artist. Like her sister, Ada, she is the custodian of a number of women’s Dreaming stories, making her a respected elder in the community. Emily was married and has three children who are living at Yuelamu (Mt Allen or Yalpirakinu). Emily attended Papunya primary school when it was the old building on stilts. Emily's Dreaming relates to a Bush Onion story from Karrinyarra, while her mother's Dreaming is the Honey Ant Ancetors from Ilpili, west of Papunya. Her father's Dreaming associated with the Liru or Snake Ancestors.