Manyitjanu was born on the 9th December 1940 in the desert when her family were walking around, living a traditional nomadic life. She is a Pitjantjatjara speaker originally from the north of Watarru around Aralya and Kunytjanu. She married and moved to Fregon when it was established in 1961 and was involved in the Fregon Choir, helped set up the Fregon Craft room, as well as the Fregon School with Nancy Sheppard. She has five children and four grandchildren. As an early school age girl after ceremony time, Manyitjanu's aunties took her from Watarru to Ernabella. She later returned to Pipalyatjara with Winifred Hilliard many years later when they were helping people out west, taking them clothes and food. She also learnt numerous arts and crafts such as making moccasins and cushions out of kangaroo skins, spinning and dyeing wool, batik, tie-dyeing and wood carving (punu) at the Ernabella Arts Centre. Her weaving style is quite unique, characterised by bold and energetic use of colour.