They are simply following traditional Navajo custom, which holds that children belong to the mother and her clan. Navajo society is matrilineal in nature, and , typically, Chee would move in with his wife's family after marriage. In the story, though, both Chee and his wife are at odds with his father-in-law's ideas of "progress," so they take up residence with Chee's parents. When Chee's wife dies, her parents are entitled to claim her child(ren)--Old Man Fat does just so.
Be good to the land and the land will be good to you
Good one
Little One goes to live with Old Man Fat and his wife because after Chee's wife dies, it was custom that the daughter's daughter goes and lives with the daughters family.
the plot is he gets land. he grows crops. he sells his house. eats his navaho children as a canable. then sells everything he owns then fights the navaho leader and kills him. then everyone is able to have kids in the reservation land. protaganist- "chee"
Chee and his family practice a traditional Navajo way of life, embedded with cultural values, customs, and beliefs. They prioritize community, connection to the land, spirituality, and maintaining harmony with nature. This includes following traditions such as ceremonies, storytelling, and respecting their ancestors.