The construct of 'self-regulation' may be problematic in its applications beyond Euro-American cultures, in part because it implies a self-centered orientation. Instead, the primary orientation of many cultures, including many Native American cultures, is the community. In this brief, we consider 'self-regulation' from these divergent perspectives with the intention that the underlying value of the construct and the research underlying 'self-regulation' may be made more apparent and relevant for Native communities. Through engaged dialogue with tribal colleagues, colleagues working in tribal communities, and additional review of published research, we have attempted to reconcile the disconnect between the focus on the self implied in the self-regulation literature and the community centered orientation of tribal communities.