As a child, Alma and her family lived at 4 Miles. Alma and her sisters traveled daily by foot to attend the local school at Yuendumu, where she learned to read and write in English and Warlpiri. In the 1970s, Alma’s family moved to Yuendumu. Alma met Robin Japanangka Granites at school, and they married as soon as they left school. Alma has 3 daughters and many grandchildren.

In the early years of their marriage, Robin became a well-known artist and traveled the world. Alma would stay at home to take care of their children. During this time, Alma worked as a staff member at the local school and attended the Bachelor College, studying to become an accredited teacher assistant for both Warlpiri and English. Once Alma graduated, she worked at the Yuendumu School, assisting the Warlpiri classes.

While working at the school, Alma became aware of the great efforts to maintain, share and preserve her Warlpiri culture and traditions. Alma would observe elders visiting the school on a regular basis to teach the younger generation about the Jukurrpa (Dreaming) and associated country.

Alma’s father is Paddy Japaljarri Sims, and her mother is Bessie Nakamarra Sims.