TORONTO - An aboriginal protest is to continue today at the Ontario legislature.

First Nation members have been singing and beating drums to protest the cutting of trees on Algonquin lands in Ottawa.

Members of the Mohawk and Algonquin First Nations have been at the legislature day and night to tend a sacred fire that has been burning there since Wednesday.

They are urging Premier Dalton McGuinty to halt the development that threatens to destroy the South March Highlands.

Danny Beaton, a member of the Mohawk Turtle Clan, says the area is a designated sacred place where the Algonquin go to strengthen their relationship with Mother Nature.

He says NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and Council of Canadians chairwoman Maude Barlow have pledged their support.