The Bhil Field

The relationship between Presbyterian Church in Canada (click here for more about the PCC) and the Bhil people in central India dates back to 1897, when Rev. Dr. John Buchanan and Dr. Mary Buchanan arrived in Indore.

The Bhils are an aboriginal tribe native to the state of Madhya Pradesh. Historically, they faced discrimination because they were without caste. In other words their status was below even the lowest caste.

The Buchanans and others who followed after them set up churches, schools and hospitals throughout the region including Jobat, a small town located at the western edge of Madhya Pradesh.


In 1952, a young nurse from Ottawa by the name of Pauline Brown arrived in the Bhil field under the auspices of the Women's Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. She set up public health programs to train local villagers in nutrition, disease prevention and midwifery.

Pauline ended up staying for 55 years, with a short break in the 1970's to earn her MSc degree in public health at McMaster University. Pauline is widely recognized for her distinguished service in India. Honours include an honourary doctorate and the Order of Canada. Pauline retired officially in 2007 but she continues to live and work part-time in India.