EXHIBIT 32.1


                            CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
                 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
                  SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


In connection with the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Northern Border
Partners, L.P. (the "Partnership") for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"),
William R. Cordes, as Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership, hereby
certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

     (1)  The Report fully  complies with the  requirements  of section 13(a) or
          section 15(d), as applicable,  of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
          and

     (2)  The  information  contained  in the  Report  fairly  presents,  in all
          material respects,  the financial  condition and results of operations
          of the Partnership.


Dated:  August 8, 2005                     /s/ William R. Cordes
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           William R. Cordes
                                           Chief Executive Officer


This certification is made solely for the purpose of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, and
not for any other purpose.