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 March 31, 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: May 9, 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.