Hayley Dodd was born in Geraldton, Western Australia.

She grew up with her mother’s side between Finke, Oodnadatta and Titjikala in Eastern Arrernte Country from when she was 5 years old.

Her grandmother was a Yangkuntjara lady and she taught all her children and grandchildren her language.

Hayley went to boarding school at Yirrara College in Alice Springs. This is where she met her husband, Isiah Jugadai.

She used to work at the shop in Titjikala and now works at Aged Care in Ikuntji.

Growing up with her grandmother’s stories and paintings she also paints her grandmother’s country.