01134nam a2200097 4500000000100000008004100001100001700042245005400059856015200113520077100265 2023 d1 aViolet Cuffy00aAdvancing a Creole centre of excellence framework uhttps://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85194455548&doi=10.1007%2f978-3-031-24275-5_9&partnerID=40&md5=0153f2867840c36d7e5eef9531cdc5323 aThe chapter argues in favour of fully embracing indigenous and traditional cultural heritage as pivotal to identity formation and development. Facets of language development, performing arts, cuisine, dress and fashion, lived traditions, and cultural festivals and events are all dimensions which help situate individuals as part of society and help create and establish a sense of belongingness. Creole culture and heritage are exemplary forms of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) which embody traditions in the Francophone countries explored in this volume. This chapter concludes the volume by espousing a Centre of Excellence Framework as a possible vehicle for advancing national cultural development in tourism dependent Small Island Developing States (SIDS).